'Enslaved: Odyssey To The West' (PS3)

The apocalyptic setting is running the risk of becoming overused in the world of video games. There are only so many scorched landscapes and radioactive ruins you can explore before the concept starts to feel as used as Fallout 3's Capital Wasteland. Ninja Theory's Enslaved: Odyssey To The West is the latest addition to the post-doomsday fold and, although it borrows heavily from other sources, this vibrant offering is a welcome alternative to the grim hues of its genre counterparts. You're unlikely to find a more colourful offering this side of de Blob, but there's more on offer here than pleasing visuals.

Between the game's ripped protagonist, buxom lead female and rusty spaceship interiors, it's easy to dismiss it as another generic 'me too' title. However, those who grin and bear the initial cliché will find much to love about this cinematic action adventure. Stellar production values make it easy to overlook its shortcomings. A tight Nitin Sawhney orchestral score combined with a solid script by Alex Garland and some impressive motion capture work from Andy Serkis (who also served as director on the project) makes for the sturdiest of foundations. While these factors alone might make for an effective movie, they'd be worth little to us without compelling gameplay. Fortunately, Enslaved's blend of aerodynamic platforming and simple combat conspires to make it a winner.

Loosely based on the ancient Chinese novel Journey To The West, the story takes place in what's left of New York 150 years after a devastating war has ravaged the planet. Robots from a bygone era known as mechs patrol the Earth, carrying out their original orders to destroy humanity. This does not bode well for our lead man Monkey, who just so happens to be a human in the captivity of these mechanical horrors. After being placed on a slave ship with a technologically gifted woman named Trip, Monkey makes a dramatic escape but is knocked unconscious in the process. Our hero awakens to find that Trip has forced him to don a slave headband, coercing him to carry out her will. She desires only to escape from the ruins of the former New York and return to her home village. As you might expect, the pair's relationships is strained, but they're forced to work together to survive.

Planting the player in Monkey's shoes, gameplay consists of Prince Of Persia-style platforming and straightforward combat. Armed with a staff, you have heavy, medium and light attacks at your disposal as well as blocks and evasive manoeuvres. Combos can be performed intuitively and abilities upgraded by collecting red orbs. All standard action game stuff so far. Melee attacks account for the bulk of skirmishes, though you're also equipped with projectile abilities for range attacks. Smashing mechs to scrap is a lot of fun and Monkey's impressive finishing moves make it a pleasing spectacle. The targeting system functions smoothly from a distance, though it feels cumbersome up close. While the simplistic nature of combat does work in the game's favor, there's a tendency to rely on the same attacks when fighting standard mechs - and since you'll spend much of the duration doing just that, it begins to wear a little thin.

Fortunately, the platforming segments are well put-together, albeit lacking in challenge. A sturdy camera, responsive controls and accommodating environments ensure that the game doesn't fall victim to the flaws of poorly-designed fare. However, the run and jump mechanics are simplified to the extent that little in the way of finesse is required. Paths and climbable scenery are mapped out in linear fashion and it's almost impossible to mistime a jump. Those who found Assassin's Creed too much like hard work and Tomb Raider's demand for precision overly pedantic might welcome this degree of hand-holding, but anyone looking for a challenge might be left wanting. Nevertheless, there's enough longevity here to counterbalance the simplicity of the core gameplay. A complete play-through takes between 10 and 12 hours, and progression is smooth due to the absence of difficulty spikes.

Graphically speaking, the game is a masterpiece. From the expertly-rendered cut-scenes that set new standards for realistic facial expression, to the lush jungle backdrops, the aesthetics are something to behold. The full extent of Enslaved's visual prowess is best illustrated during set pieces and platforming escapades. At times it's reminiscent of Uncharted 2 but there's more than a hint of James Cameron's Avatar in there as well. The end result is one of the best-looking games to make use of the Unreal 3 engine and a welcome reminder of what current generation hardware is capable of.

As jaw-dropping as the game's visuals are, it's the script and storytelling that steal the show. Through a combination of convincing voice work and subtle yet effective writing, Enslaved weaves an engaging 'odd couple' tale with strong character development at its core. Monkey and Trip's relationship is organic and believable with more than its fair share of ups and downs. The dynamic between the pair is engaging enough to leave you wanting more, so it's just as well the ending leaves the door open for a sequel.

Enslaved: Odyssey To The West is an ambitious offering that might well have been an all-time classic if its gameplay matched the outstanding presentation and plot. There's still plenty of fun to be had, though the game's platforming and combat fundamentals have been simplified to the point of near dilution. On the plus side, it's an original IP - which is more than we can say about most upcoming releases - and a much-needed alternative take on the post-apocalyptic scenario. Even though its best qualities aren't playable, this isn't one to overlook.